Pakistan is hosting a thrilling three-match Test series against England, with the series tied at 1-1. The decider is being played at Rawalpindi, and both teams are eager for victory. This series has showcased some exciting Test cricket, culminating in this final match, where England seeks an overseas series win and Pakistan aims for a home series victory. Here’s a review of Day 1 of the Rawalpindi Test featuring Pakistan vs England.
The first session belongs to Pakistan:
England won the toss and opted to bat first on a dry surface that showed signs of turning right from the start, typical of subcontinent conditions. England made two changes, bringing in Rehan Ahmed and Gus Atkinson, while Pakistan fielded the same squad.
Openers Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett stepped onto the field, with the new ball handed to Sajid Khan, setting the stage for an intriguing spin attack. In a departure from their usual aggressive style, the English openers adopted a cautious approach, defending against the spinners, who found plenty of assistance with the new ball. The surface offered noticeable drift and grip, which took England's Bazball strategy out of the equation.
Despite their defensive start, the openers could only survive 15 overs before Noman Ali claimed the first breakthrough, dismissing Zak Crawley and ending a 50-run opening stand. This wicket sparked a momentum shift for Pakistan, who quickly followed up by removing Ollie Pope just two overs later. Joe Root then joined the fray but fell victim to Sajid Khan for just 5 runs, a significant blow for England as he made his way back to the pavilion.
Amidst this flurry of wickets, Duckett managed to reach a commendable fifty, showcasing resilience under pressure. However, his innings came to an end shortly after, as Noman Ali dismissed him for 52, reducing England from 56/1 to 98/4 in a matter of overs. Ben Stokes arrived at the crease with just four overs remaining before lunch, but Harry Brook's struggles ended abruptly when he was bowled by Sajid Khan.
As the session drew to a close, England found themselves at 110/5 after 30 overs. This marked the first time in the Bazball era that England lost five wickets for less than 100 runs. It was a disheartening sight for the English players as they walked back to the pavilion. This session undoubtedly belonged to Pakistan and their spinners, who delivered exceptional performances to reduce England to half their side in the opening session.
Jamie Smith Sparks England's Resurgence
England faced early trouble at the start of the session as Sajid Khan dismissed Ben Stokes right away, leaving the England captain to walk back for just 12 runs and reducing the team to six wickets down. The pressure was on as Gus Atkinson joined Jamie Smith at the crease. Despite the challenging situation, both batters returned to basics, defending well against deliveries aimed at the stumps, and managed to construct a vital 50-run partnership.
As the innings progressed, Jamie Smith grew more confident, starting to hit some impressive sixes and eventually scoring his first fifty of the series a tremendous knock under pressure. Together, they built a century-long partnership, providing England with much-needed momentum. However, Gus Atkinson's good form came to an end when he missed a straight delivery and was bowled by Noman Ali, departing after a solid contribution alongside Smith.
Jamie Smith continued his aggressive approach, hitting his sixth six of the innings, which also marked the most sixes hit by a Test batter against Pakistan. Unfortunately, his impressive innings concluded just 11 runs shy of a deserved century when he was dismissed by Zahid Mohammed, a tactical bowling change made by Shan Masood.
The innings wrapped up with two quick wickets at the end, leaving England at 242/8. Despite the late wickets, this session belonged to England as they staged a commendable comeback, setting a decent total on the board.
Spinners Day out at Rawalpindi
Pakistan wasted no time in the last session, wrapping up England's innings as the tailenders added just 25 runs before being all out for 267. This marked a commendable comeback for England, who rallied from 110/5 to reach a fighting total on a spin-friendly track. Pakistan’s spinners were in fine form, successfully restricting England to under 300. Sajid Khan was the pick of the bowler with 6/128.
As Pakistan's innings began, Saim Ayub and Abdullah Shafique stepped into the middle, with Jack Leach opening the bowling. The Pakistani batters appeared comfortable against the spinners early on until Shoaib Bashir struck, dismissing Abdullah Shafique with a classic off-spinner's delivery, giving England their first breakthrough. Following a drinks break, Jack Leach capitalised on the momentum, sending Saim Ayub back to the pavilion and leaving Pakistan at 42/2 in just 13 overs.
With Kamran Ghulam at the crease, Ben Stokes turned to Gus Atkinson, a move that proved effective as Ghulam was bowled for just 3 runs, bringing England right back into the contest. Saud Shakeel then joined his captain, Shan Masood, and the pair managed to see out the remaining 9 overs, ending the day at 73/3.
It was an exciting session of cricket, with wickets falling regularly throughout the day. In total, 13 wickets had fallen, with spinners claiming 12 of them, dominating the proceedings. The day concluded with England slightly ahead in the match, having reduced Pakistan to 73/3.
As Day 2 approaches, the first session will be crucial for Pakistan, who will need to withstand the pressure to mount a challenge against England. Overall, it was an engaging day of Test cricket, and stay tuned for more action and highlights from the England vs Pakistan series!
End of Day 1 (England: 267/10) Jamie Smith 89(119), Sajid Khan 6/128), (Pakistan 73/3, Saim Ayub 19(36), Gus Atkinson 1/2) Pakistan Trail By 194 runs.
For more Pakistan vs England updates
- Pakistan vs England Match Summary
- Pakistan vs England Scorecard
- Pakistan vs England Live Commentary
- Pakistan vs England Fantasy Teams
